The implementation of a major Enemalta plc project to reinforce the electricity distribution network are in full swing, as trenching and pipe laying works through the Kappara junction were completed on Monday night.
Enemalta plc employees and contractors worked throughout the night to excavate a trench across this busy thoroughfare and lay a number of pipes for electricity cables feeding electricity to the Manoel Island Distribution Centre. The Company is developing this new distribution centre and another one at St. Andrew’s to achieve the necessary network flexibility and reliability to improve the quality of service to customers in nearby localities, including St. Julian’s, Sliema, Gzira and Ta’ Xbiex. The distribution centres will be commissioned in 2016.
Monday’s works were carried out in collaboration with the Police and Transport Malta to avoid traffic disruptions. Trenching was carried out in sections, one lane at a time, and the roundabout was never closed. Traffic police were on site all night to assist drivers and ensure road safety. Enemalta technicians and engineers monitored the excavation and pipe laying works to see that the contracted works are carried out to the Company’s specifications.
The two new distribution centres form part of a major project launched in 2014 to reinforce the national electricity grid. Their construction started in previous years, but due to a number of difficulties, they were not completed. The Company has now allocated the necessary resources to complete these important electricity distribution nodes and carry out other network development works in different parts of Malta and Gozo. Another two new distribution centres are being developed at Xewkija and Marsa, whilst a number of existing distribution centres, including those at Mellieha, Marsa and Santa Venera, are being upgraded with new equipment.
Enemalta is also in the process of laying several kilometres of high voltage cables between different nodes of the network, to have the necessary spare connections to provide a quicker response when natural faults disrupt electricity supply to its customers. Most of these cables will be laid in the underground electricity distribution tunnels linking different parts of the network. The Company is also collaborating with the developers of a number of upcoming major construction projects, to implement the required network upgrades to provide the services needed by these new customers.
Enemalta plc thanked Transport Malta, the Police, the public and its employees for their collaboration during Monday night’s works. For assistance, customers are encouraged to contact the Enemalta Customer Care team on 80072224 or [email protected].